The French Connection

Police from the Narcotics Division of the Bali Police have arrested a Frenchman, Claude Josep Thierry Verchere (47), said to be in possession of 121 grams of cocaine with an estimated street value of US$46,000.

Police say the Frenchman, who lists his profession as a businessman, has been living in Bali with his wife and son for the past year.

According to reports by AFP, Verchere claims the drugs were for personal use and were purchased from an Iranian.
The Bali Post says he was arrested at his home on Jalan Tangkuban Perahu, Gang Merta Sedana No. 2 in Denpasar at 5:10 pm on Thursday, January 9, 2014.

Prior to the Frenchman’s arrest, police received information from the public that a foreigner was dealing narcotics; information police said led them to Verchere. Information on the Internet states Verchere has served as a French Marine and an overseas volunteer in Noumea in the 1980s.

The Frenchman has reportedly been living in Bali for the past year.

Subject to a charge of criminal possession of narcotics, Verchere could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison.